The Equine Tooth Fairy's Outback Women Calendar Raising Funds For Charity

Earlier this year Horsezone published Five Minutes With... The Equine Tooth Fairy - Bobbie Murphy, an interview with a dynamic young woman who was not only taking care of horses' teeth in North Queensland and Northern Territory, but was also an entrant in the Mrs Australia Quest! 

Horsezone sponsored Bobbie and supported her fundraising efforts throughout the Quest - Bobbie focused mainly on raising funds for two charities, Project Dovetail and W.I.N. Australia.  "I hope to see my fundraising work benefit women and children, and help them to live the life that they deserve, one without abuse and hardship," said Bobbie.

Thrillingly, Bobbie won the Title of Mrs Australasia at the Melbourne judging in September and has shared the excitement of her experience with us...

Upon meeting all of the contestants I was very overwhelmed as they were all stunning and had achieved so much over the course of the past 12months of competition. They were all a tad confused when I had to talk about myself and explain that I was from 'No Fixed Address'. It was great to finally meet the other contestants and we all got along really well, shared our experiences and offered advice. 

Contestants were required to meet with the judges and discuss within a short period of time what they had achieved on the Mrs Australia Finalist Journey and what they aimed for in the future. My aim throughout this journey was to help combat abuse and child neglect by reaching out to so many of the families that live in remote areas of Australia and make them aware that there is help available to them. I also believe that many of the women living remotely lack female companionship and most of the comforts that we may have access to in the cities. So if I can make them feel special on at least one of their days then I think I have achieved something.

Saturday evening was the Cocktail party. We were lucky enough to have our make up done by the great ladies from Zazi Minerals and the best spray tan ever by Bronzalicious.  Contestants were to talk about 'What inspires them' for no more then 1 minute. There were secret judges in the crowd and all of our friends and family were watching. It was nerve wracking, but if there is one thing I can do that would be talk!

Sunday morning we were all being made beautiful by the staff at Napoleon Cosmetics and Pierre Haddad Hair.

We practiced our catwalk style in the corridors, which is not the same as my usual walk to the kitchen for smoko, but apparently I was a natural!

We were to meet the judges one on one and tell them a bit about ourselves. They then asked us a question which we were to respond to. My question was 'What do you see in the mirror?' I wanted to reply, 'someone I don't recognise at the moment with all this make-up and a new hair style!'

The crowd then started to arrive and my nervousness increased. My husband and family positioned themselves right at the end of the catwalk. I couldn't help but smile when I reached the end of each walk, seeing them all there cheering for me!

Another question was asked by the judges during the event, this time i was asked 'What made me enter the Mrs Australia Competition'.

We were to wear our own evening gown and then were supplied with active wear from Lorna Jane.

The top seven were announced, of which I was one and I was so relieved but could never imagine that I would be selected. The top seven were to then wear a gown by our sponsor Leila which was stunning. They then announced all of the awards from People's Choice, Runners up 1,2,3 & 4 and finally Mrs Australasia and Mrs Australia.

When they announced that I had been selected as Mrs Australasia, i was shocked! I entered this competition in the hope of making a small difference to help stop abuse and child neglect, but I never thought it would lead to me being selected as Mrs Australasia. I am now a big advocate for stepping out of your comfort zone, because you never know what you might achieve and where it may lead you.

I will admit that the finals were very daunting as the catwalk seemed to go on forever! I was paranoid that I would stumble or get my gown stuck on my heels, but I survived to tell the tale.

I won the title of Mrs Australasia. In 2010, the Mrs Australia Group added a title to the Mrs Australia Globe National Finals. This title - Mrs Philanthropy Australia - would be awarded to the woman who had a strong passion for charity work, and was active in her local community. The amount of work and effort the National Finalists in 2010, placed on the charity aspect of Mrs Australia Globe, prompted the International Director of Mrs Globe to offer the winner of Mrs Philanthropy Australia an International title - Mrs Australasia - so that she too could compete in the world finals of Mrs Globe. This title has become an important title of the Mrs Australia National Finals, and is judged throughout the year as well as by a separate panel of judges at the finals. The title is won by the lady who puts her heart into charity work, and is not based on the amount of money she raises or donations to any not for profit  organisation. The philanthropy title is judged on the work and ideas the woman have for Women In Need of Australia, Project Dovetail and any other charity that is close to her heart.

Winning the title of Mrs Australasia was more then I could of ever imagined. I am so grateful to the wonderful women that have been a part of my fundraising efforts, because with out them there would be no calendar. Now I can proudly say that I have spread my message to over 1000 households that now feature my calendar on their wall - hopefully not the back of the toilet door!

2012 holds a new set of challenges for me. Not only do I have to compete for Mrs Globe at Palm Springs in August, but I must also continue the task of raising awareness for the Mrs Australia affiliated charities Women In Need and Project Dovetail. The aim for this coming year is a 'Postie Bike Pageant' that will take adventurers up the Explorer's Way from Uluru to Darwin in a week. Events will be held along the way and we will spread the message that despite their isolation, women and children from the Outback are not alone. We are currently in the planning stages and hope to announce our plans in January. 

I am really looking forward to the Postie Bike Pageant, I think it is going to be a great adventure for all that are involved and a good way to meet different communities and get them involved and interacting together.

I cannot thank my wonderful support group and sponsors such as Horsezone enough. Without them my task would have been close to impossible!

One of Bobbie's main fundraisers this year was a 2012 calendar titled "Outback Women, Out and Proud Against Abuse". This calendar features many of the women who live and work in remote areas, baring all to help raise awareness for Women In Need of Australia. Bobbie claims the photo shoots were a laugh a minute, which is often what's needed in the north, and the end result is a great calendar, featuring everyday women proud to stand nude for what they believe in. The calendar is very tasteful and all 'rude' bits are strategically hidden behind certain props! Bobbie hopes to raise close to $15,000 for Women In Need of Australia through the sale of these calendars.

So if you're still looking for a unique 2012 calendar for yourself or friends and want to support a great cause, contact Bobbie at equinetoothfairy@bigpond.com now!